Valparaiso University

What you'll study

The PhD in Registered Nursing combines advanced theoretical study, rigorous research methods and specialised work in one of three concentration areas: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing. Students complete core doctoral coursework in nursing theory, research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, biostatistics, health policy and ethics, followed by concentration-specific modules and a sustained dissertation project.

• Core modules: Advanced Nursing Theory; Research Design and Methods; Biostatistics for Health Research; Health Policy and Ethics; Grant Writing and Scholarly Communication.
• Nursing Administration concentration: Organisational Leadership in Healthcare; Financial Management and Health Systems; Quality Improvement and Patient Safety; Strategic Human Resource Management in Nursing.
• Nursing Research concentration: Advanced Quantitative Methods; Advanced Qualitative Inquiry; Mixed Methods Research; Translational Science and Implementation Research.
• Clinical Nursing concentration: Clinical Scholarship and Practice Improvement; Advanced Clinical Assessment and Outcomes Measurement; Interprofessional Care Models; Clinical Trials and Evidence-based Practice.
• Dissertation: An original, independent research project developed under faculty supervision, including proposal defence, data collection and a written dissertation that contributes to nursing science and practice.
• Additional experiences: Teaching practicum and preparation for academic roles, opportunities for interprofessional collaboration, and practicum or clinical mentorship aligned with research and concentration focus.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to be registered nurses holding a master's degree in nursing or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Typical admissions requirements include:

• A master's degree (MSN, MNS or equivalent) in nursing or a related discipline.
• Current, unencumbered registered nurse licence.
• A record of academic achievement with competitive graduate-level GPA.
• Professional experience in nursing; leadership, teaching or research experience is highly desirable.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with faculty expertise, a CV or résumé, and academic writing samples.
• Letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference familiar with the applicant's research potential.
• Successful interview with programme faculty; English language proficiency evidence where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue careers as nurse faculty, principal investigators, health services researchers and senior nursing leaders. Common roles include tenure-track academic positions, director-level posts in clinical research units, leadership roles in healthcare systems and health policy advisory positions. PhD-prepared nurses also lead translational research initiatives, secure external funding, publish in peer-reviewed journals and shape evidence-based practice and education.

Why study at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University offers a supportive, mentorship-driven doctoral environment with a focus on personalised faculty supervision and integrative scholarship. The programme benefits from close collaboration with clinical partners and interprofessional centres, enabling applied research opportunities and access to diverse patient populations. Students gain teaching experience and preparation for academic careers within a university that emphasises ethical leadership, service and the integration of liberal arts perspectives into professional nursing scholarship.